Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

 Original from NôvelDrama.Org.

Sam was genuinely surprised, "You're a regular at that bakery too?"

"Yeah! Their cheesecakes are to die for."

Sam wasn't usually one for trinkets and baubles. Partly because Liz, his girlfriend, found them tacky, and partly because he thought himself too mature to be into such things, being in his thirties and all.

But this particular keychain had been with him since he got his smartphone. It was subtle, barely noticeable, yet this girl seemed to have an eagle eye for details.

"How many tries did it take you?" Mamie asked, biting her lip in anticipation.

"All in all... about three times, I guess?"

Hearing this, Mamie felt a pang of envy. Why did luck favor everyone but her?

Seeing her grit her teeth made Sam chuckle, "If you don't mind sharing your mailing address, I've got an extra limited edition one at home. I could send it your way."

Mamie looked up, her eyes locking with his. They were gentle and smiling, reminding her of the boy next door who used to play with her when they were kids.

Sam was tall, handsome, with a demeanor that was both gentle and refined. Especially when he smiled, his eyes seemed to light up the room.

His presence was calming, non-threatening, like water embracing everything it touches.

Mamie found herself blushing, her heart racing, "You'd... you'd really... do that for me?"

Sam, puzzled by her sudden change in demeanor, was about to say more when someone called out to him, "Mr. Sam- the event is wrapping up, we need your signature on some documents!"

"Be right there," he responded, then quickly turned back to hand Mamie his business card, "My number's on there. Don't forget to text me your address."

Mamie held onto the card, watching him walk away until he was out of sight.

Sam, huh?

...

Rose had already left, and Cory was

finding

hard to mingle. These

were never his scene;.

presence was solely for

l

e tent

But before leaving, he made sure to bid the

dean farewell and subtly

l

on

warn Bob about keeping an eye certain matters.

The dean, wise from years of experience, chuckled and nodded, "Don't worry, I'll handle it."

With that assurance, Cory stepped outside, craving a smoke. Just as he was about to reach for his lighter, he paused.

There was Murray, leaning against his car, a cigarette between his lips.

Murray caught his eye and sneered, "What's the matter? Thought you quit smoking?"

Cory smirked, "I did, but not entirely."

Murray offered him a cigarette, which

theory declined, opting i

for a stick of gum from his

thanks, I'm good with this

belongs to

Murray scoffed, "Pretender!"

Cory, unphased, nodded towards the party, "Why out here? Weren't you dancing with your girlfriend?"

Murray lit another cigarette, "Dance is over. Too crowded in there, needed some air."

The smell of nicotine filled the air, tempting Cory with its familiar allure, but his expression remained unchanged.

Unable to resist a jab, Murray taunted, "Quite the scene earlier, huh? How does rejection taste?"